Land & Livestock Post by The Eagle Advertising Department

April 1, 2011

Well Done

PAG E 12

ESTIMATED PROGENY DIFFERENCES CAN MAKE SELECTION EASIER GOOD BULL

HOG WILD

Making sure your bull is ready to breed.

'Ownership' of feral hogs is surprising.

INSPIRING MESSAGE

SPREADING IT ON

PAGE 4

Pork Board picks a new slogan. PAGE 6

PAGE 14

Picking the right fertilizer can save $$$. PAGE 19

The Land & Livestock Post â&#x153;Ş April 1, 2011

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By STEVE BYRNS Texas AgriLife Communications COLLEGE STATION — The first-ever Law Enforcement and Military Horsemanship Conference conducted by Texas A&M University’s Parsons Moun-ted Cavalry and the College of Agriculture and Life Science’s Equine Initiative is set for April 20-21 at the Pearce Pavilion. The pavilion is located on the south side of George Bush Drive between Wellborn Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway in College Station. The first day starts at 9 a.m. Bob Byrns, Parsons Mounted Cavalry advisor and conference coordinator, said while the confer-

ence is open to the public, it is meant to meet a growing need for current equine information among professional and para-professional mounted units. “Our main objective is to promote the success and health of mounted law enforcement and military units, and the horses that serve them,” Byrns said. “Mounted units both in the United States and abroad are on the increase, and new technologies are now available to help them. To assist them in fulfilling their peace-keeping missions, Texas A&M has put together this comprehensive seminar to serve as a clearing-house of information on a wide variety of topics important to horsemanship and horse manage-

ment.” Along with Byrns, speakers from Texas A&M will include Eleanor Green, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Brig. Gen. Joe E. Ramirez Jr., Corps of Cadets commander; Jim Heird, Equine Initiative coordinator; Josie Coverdale, department of animal science; and Mike Martin, Cleet Griffin and Carolyn Arnold, all with the university’s Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Speakers from the Houston Police Mounted Patrol will include officers Greg Sololoski, Mike Calley, Sgt. Leslie Wills and Lt. Randall Wallace.

April 1, 2011

that gives an abridged version, a sort of Cliff Notes of cattle if you will, to help breeders determine the best genetics for them. In our cover story, we take a look at EPDs and how they can help you maximize production in your herd. We also have some advice from Dr. Steve Wikse on the best health system for your bull, along with some stories on feral hogs, fertilizer costs and few features on some useful upcoming programs. All this and more is in this issue, and I hope you enjoy it. As always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

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he old saying “Never judge a book by its cover” is true in most cases. That is lucky for me, because if I had to go on looks alone, I doubt I’d be married, have a job or even be allowed in most segments of society. But what about when it comes to selecting catJESSE WRIGHT tle? There aren’t a lot of ranchers who can afford the time, effort or cost of giving each and every breed a fair shake in their herd. So when a choice has to be made, how can producers be sure that the breed they choose is right for them? Luckily, there is a system

Law enforcement, military horsemanship conference set

The Land & Livestock Post

News

• See HORSE/Page 9

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The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011

News

How to be sure your bull is ready to breed Q

uestion: “I bought an expensive Brangus bull a couple of weeks ago at a purebred sale. He’s worth three times any of my 25 cows. What sort of a health program do you recommend for him?” Answer: Your bull is the most valuable animal in your herd? Good! That’s how it should be. And it’s understandable that you want him to stay healthy and settle a bunch of cows. I hope this fellow has passed his breeding soundness examination. If he hasn’t, you should get your veterinarian to do one to verify the bull is physically able to get the job done. You’ll have to determine if he has proper libido to get the job done by watching him breed cows. I assume you purchased a virgin bull, so a Tritrichomonas foetus (trich)

test will not be necessary. All non-virgin bulls sold in Texas must have a negative trich test. Health management for beef bulls has three parts: nutrition, infectious disease control and parasite control.

Body condition First, bulls should start the breeding season in good body condition. A body condition score of 5.5 to 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 9 is recommended. Bulletin B-1526 Body Condition, Nutrition and Reproduction of Beef Cows at your county Extension Agent’s office has excellent information and pictures on body condition. Low fertility and/or libido are common in bulls that are too fat or too thin. Bulls purchased at purebred sales are generally in excellent condi-

QUALITY REPLACEMENT CATTLE FOR SALE • 65TrueF-1Brangus Br Brangus 3yroldpairswithcalves lv by lves W4Herefo refo re rdBulls. • 107GoodF-1B 107GoodF-1BrafordTigerstripepairs. 90day oodF-1B D calving! Excellentquality3-5yrolds. Ex Excellen SOL • 150TrueF-1Braf Brafafor Braf ord cow ord cows calvingnow no to now Charolais ar Bulls, arolais lls 3-5yrsold lls, • 43Braf Brafor Braf aford ord Cows Cows, ws, 3-5yrsold,calvingnow no now to Angus&Charolais arolais Bulls ar • 69F-1Braford 69F-1BrafordTigerstripe3yroldcowscalving 69F-1BrafordT dT LD this SSpringwiththeir2ndbabiesbyAngusBulls Springwiththeir2ndbabiesb SO • 20Reg5-8yroldB 20Reg5-8yroldBrahmancowscalvingJan-Mar D toRegHerefordbulls. toRegH toRegHeref oRegHeref SOL • 70Good3-5yroldCrossbr Cr Crossbr ossbred Fallcalvingpairs ossbred • 40RegV8Brahman Br Brahman youngcows. cow cows. Pairs&breds br breds. • 100Crossbr Crossbred Crossbr ossbred cow cows, 3-5yearsold,Bred Br Bred to Charolais arolais ar bulls. • Threegroups gr of9Register groups Registered Register ered Brahman Br heif heifers each • 45TrueF-1Braf 45TrueF-1BrafordTigerstripeheifersALLcalving raf D inApriltoAngusBulls. inA inApriltoAngusB SOL • 17TrueF-1Braf 17TrueF-1Brafordheifersexposedsince Draf NNovember1toRegisteredAngusBulls. November1t SOL • 73Exce Ex llentgrey Exce gr Brahman grey Br cow with45F-1 cows babies balance babies, balanc bred br ,6-8yrsold. • 62Grey Gr Brahman Grey Br cow mostly5-7yrolds. 36 cows, Registered Register ered,48withcertifiedF-1calves lvlves atside, side side, balanc heavy balance heavybred hea br bred. balanceheavybr vyybr D • 5GreyBrahmanheif 5GreyBrahmanheiferpairsw/F-1babies 5G 5Gr OLahmanheif SreyBrahmanheif • 68G 68Grey Gr Br Grey Brahman cows cow calvingMar-Ju Mar- neto Mar-Ju Register Bulls.3-7yrsold. Registered ered Brahman Br

• 29Register Register Regist ered Gr ered Grey ey Brahman Br cow cows. 24are ar 3-4yrs are yrs olds olds,, five five ar are 6yrolds yr olds WillstarthavingRegister Registered Register ered Br Brahman babies thisSpring. ring • 172Exce Ex llentSantaGertrudis Exce dis heif heifers readyfor bullsweighing800lbs. Worked rk withcutting rked tting horses, gentle, tle, calfhoodvaccinatedd horses verygen tle ygen gen • 202&3y 202&3yearoldB 202&3yearoldBranguspairsexposedbackto Dold LearoldB Odbulls Herefordbulls HS erefordbulls • 44Brangusbaldy3yroldc 44Brangusbaldy3yroldcowscalvingthis angusbaldy3yroldc DangusB OL SpringtoBrangusB SpringtoBrangusBulls. Springt SS pringtoBrangusB pringt oBrangusB D angus ye L • 20FallcalvingB alvingB 20F 20FallcalvingBrangus3yearoldshavingtheir lving SOlves 2nd 2ndcalves 2ndcalvesbyHerefordbulls 2ndc lv by Herefo reford bulls refo • 18Ultra-black Ultra-black 3yroldcows Ultra-black yr cows cow calvinginMarch-Ma lving March-Ma March-Ma ch-May.y. • 40GoodCrossbr Crossbr Crossbr ossbred ed 3yroldscalving lving thisSpring toAngusBulls. gus • 31Good od 3yroldCrossbr yr Crossbr Crossbred ossbred pairswithAngus babies afefewheavybred babies, vy bred br . • 40coming3yrold ming yr old TrueF-1opencows. cow (20 cows. Brafor Braf afor ords ds 20Br Br Brang), ang), reproduc pr produc oductively oductiv tively sound, ExposedtoRegCh Reg Charolais ar bullssince sinc since Dec15 • 38TrueF-1Braf Brafafafor ord cows Reg Br ord 3yroldcows cow exposedtoReg Angusbullssince gus sinc since Dec1forFallcalves lv . lves • 5South uth Te Texas Huntingranchesforlease200,360, 650,660,&10,000acres acr .Forphotos acres phot &info photos inf log info ontowww.t .teex xastroph astrophylease ylease.com .c .com owww.texastr www.t.tex www.t eexastr D yeyearling • 38GreyBrahmany 38G 38GreyBrahmanyearlinghfrs. eyLahmany arling Excellent&gentle. O Scertified • 10 c ified F-1Br Brafafafor Br ord openyearlingheifers ord yearling yearling heif heifers. • 31Ultra-black Ultr Ultra-black Fallcalving3yrolds lving yr olds. • 50Ultra-black Ultra-black 3yrolds olds exposed posed toBrangus Brangus Ultr Br angus bulls. • 20Brangus Br Brangus &Brangus Br Brangus baldy3&4yrold old br bred ed cow cows. • 9TrueF-1Braf Br Brafafor aford ord heif heifer pairs&heavybreds vy breds br . • 15Brangus Brangus baldy3yroldpairs&hea heavybreds breds. Br angus baldy yr br • 18Braf Br Brafafor afor ordd 3yrold old heavybreds br breds.

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tion, but they can be over-conditioned and need to reduce before the breeding season. Active bulls lose weight as the breeding season progresses. You can help maintain this felSTEVE low’s body WIKSE , DVM condition by hand feeding supplement such as breeder’s cubes daily or every other day. You must be careful on the amount fed if you feed whole cottonseed. It contains gossypol which can impair a bull’s sperm production. If you feed whole cottonseed, limit the daily amount to four pounds or less. Hand-feeding has the additional benefit of making bulls

gentler and will give you a chance to check for injuries. Don’t forget to offer your entire herd a balanced salt/trace mineral mix that has adequate amounts of the minerals proven to be necessary for high fertility: phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

Disease protection Second, beef bulls should be protected against the same diseases as the cow herd. It’s best to purchase bulls from ranches that vaccinate against reproductive pathogens including bovine viral diarrhea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viruses, Campylobacter fetus (vibrio) and the various leptospiras, especially Leptospira hardjo bovis. Booster these vaccines annually to maintain good protection. Leptospiral vac-

cines need to be boostered every six months. I’ve encountered herds that have excellent fertility, but very limited vaccination programs. They are at risk of costly loses. In addition, bulls should be vaccinated against any lifethreatening diseases on your ranch. Vaccination against bacillary hemoglobinuria (redwater), caused by Clostridium hemolyticum, is very important on ranches with liver fluke infestation. Some ranches vaccinate new bulls against anaplasmosis.

Parasite control Third, effective internal and external parasite control programs are necessary to keep bulls healthy and maintain body condition. Parasites

• See BULL/Page 5

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ance. A bull’s body condition is a direct measure of his health. Next month: successful parasite control programs for beef herds. • Dr. Steve Wikse is a retired professor of large-animal clinical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University.

April 1, 2011

Finally, it’s important to do a post-breeding season bull evaluation. Carefully look over your bull to gauge body condition and to detect any injuries that may have happened during the breeding season. A bull can lose 100 to 200 pounds in a breeding season and will need to be fed to regain those pounds before the next breeding season. It will be easier to reach the body condition score goal for your bull if you start feeding extra groceries early. Paying attention to nutrition, infectious disease control and parasite control in your bull is the formula for a high level of reproductive perform-

A bull can lose 100 to 200 pounds in a breeding season and will need to be fed to regain those pounds before the next breeding season.

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depress appetite, suck blood and interfere with absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. External parasites include horn flies (Haematobia irritans) and lice (several species). Stomach worms (Ostertagia ostertagi) and liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica the cow liver fluke or Fascioloides magna the deer liver fluke) are the main internal parasites of concern. Parasite control programs in Texas are based on two factors of equal importance to success: selection of the proper chemical anthelmintic and treatment at the proper time. I don’t have enough room left in this column to outline a complete parasite control program. I base my parasite control advice on research conducted in Texas beef herds by Dr. Tom Craig, veterinary

parasitologist at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Craig recommends that adult cattle in Central and South Texas be treated for stomach worms twice a year, spring and fall.

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The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011

News

‘Be Inspired’ by new National Pork campaign By MICHAEL J. CRUMB Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa — “The Other White Meat” has another slogan. The National Pork Board on March 4 replaced the decades-old ad campaign with a new message: “Pork: Be Inspired.” Board officials said after nearly 25 years, it was time to move on from the old message that compared pork to chicken and instead try to increase sales by focusing on the estimated 82 million Americans who already eat pork. “The overall goal is to move sales of our product,” said Ceci Snyder, the Des Moines, Iowa-based board’s vice president of marketing. “We want to increase pork sales by 10 percent by 2014. To do that, we needed to make a stronger connection, a more emotional connection to our product.”

Pork sales totaled about $117 per person in 2010. Pork consumption averages about 50 pounds per person per year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Snyder said research done by the Pork Board shows 28 percent of U.S. households make up nearly 70 percent of the nation’s at-home consumption of fresh pork. The new campaign is aimed at getting existing pork consumers to think more about how they can incorporate it into their meal planning. “We want to move that needle, go afte af r that core group of consumers,” she said. “These people love pork, know how to prepare it and are eager to share recipes.” The new marketing effort marks the end to a ubiquitous advertising slogan launched in 1987 to convince consumers that pork was healthy

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and had fewer calories than most people thought. The campaign stemmed a decline in pork consumption, Snyder said. Times have changed and with consumption continuing to be flat, Snyder said it’s time to take pork in a new direction. Pork remains behind beef

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The National Pork Board is replacing the decades-old ad campaign “The Other White Meat” with a new message: “Pork: Be Inspired.”

decades, the USDA data shows. More than 31 billion pounds of pork was produced in the U.S. in 2010, according to the Pork Board. Iowa is the nation’s top pork producer followed by North Carolina and Minnesota. The old slogan will remain on the Pork Board’s website and on apparel sold by the board, but Internet searches for “Pork: The Other White Meat” will direct people to the new campaign, Snyder said. The board will spend more than $11 million to roll out the campaign in through this month. It will include national print and broadcast advertising, public relations, social media and foodservice marketing. Online advertising began March 7, and national television ads will begin April 11. Print ads will also begin running in food and lifestyle publications in April.

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Cattle production system proves most efficient By CHUCK COFFEY Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

2009 U.S. Commercial Meat Production* Pounds of Meat from Grazing Land

Pounds Grain Fed

Pounds Grain Fed per Total Pounds Produced

Total Pounds Produced

Beef

26 Billion

11 Billion

15 Billion

66 Billion

2.5

Pork

23 Billion

80.5 Billion

3.5

Chicken

35.6 Billion

89 Billion

2.5

*Adapted from Livestock Marketing Information Center of concentrate (grain) used to produce the meat, assuming the previously mentioned feed conversion ratios. A pig or chicken spends its life consuming feed concentrates while most beef is raised on grass to a weight of 750 pounds prior to entering the feedyard. The average slaughter weight of a steer is 1,300 pounds, so only the last 550 pounds of beef is produced from grain. Thus, beef only uses 2.5 pounds of grain per

pound of total product produced. When corn gets expensive, cattle typically are kept on grass to reach heavier weights. Conversely, when corn is cheap, we can afford to place cattle in the feedyard at lighter weights. The beef industry has the luxury of diversification between grass and grain, giving us an advantage when compared to pork and poultry. We also have the advantage

of being able to use our grazing land resources without fear of competition for that resource from pork or poultry. Cattle are very efficient at converting grazing resources into beef. While on grass, it can take from 7 to 25 pounds of forage grazed to produce 1 pound of beef. This may not sound very ef cient, but how else can we effi utilize our grazing lands to produce 15 billion pounds of food for our citizens?

April 1, 2011

Species

Pounds of Meat from Grain

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By my way of thinking, the most efficient food-producing animals for human consumption are herbivores. Herbivores are animals that are adapted to eat plants. They have a four-compartment stomach, and the first compartment, the rumen, contains bacteria with the ability to break down cellulose, the primary component of plant cells, so it can be digested by the animal. In addition, according to the National Resource Inventory of the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s, there are approximately 588 million acres of grazing lands in the United States. These lands are comprised of rangeland, pastureland and grazeable forestland.

Much of this land is not suitable for farming, but is well suited for herbivores, such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, elk, bison and antelope. Just taking cattle into account, these lands are responsible for more than 15 billion pounds of beef production on an annual basis. How efficient is our beef production system? On the surface, it does not look very efficient compared to other meat products. We can convert 2.5 pounds of feed concentrate into 1 pound of chicken and 3.5 pounds of feed concentrate into 1 pound of pork, but it takes about 6 pounds of concentrate to produce 1 pound of beef. This isn’t the whole story, however. The table shows the total amount of beef, pork and chicken produced in the U.S. in 2009, as well as the pounds

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The Land & Livestock Post â&#x153;Ş April 1, 2011

Commentary

Even striking oil can have a natural downside I was in North Dakota in early spring. The night before, the temperature was 3 degrees. That morning it had warmed up to 4. I walked into the giant Ag Expo building and made a circle of the trade show, just visiting. I stopped at the booth of a man selling wood stoves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How are things goinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?â&#x20AC;? I asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well,â&#x20AC;? he said, shaking his head, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know how things are.â&#x20AC;? I did know how things were. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been up north the month before. Everywhere I looked, prosperity reigne ig d! igne The oil business was booming and had moved the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home state into wealth. They could change their name to North Wyoming or Saudi

Dakota! I read unemployment was below 4 percent, banks were flush, and the state treasury had a surplus. I thought maybe the vendor was seriously ill, was financing his BAXTE AX R BLACK daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterinary school education, or heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been unable to winter in Acapulco because of the drug war. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is business bad?â&#x20AC;? I asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selling stoves in North Dakota in the middle of the winter?â&#x20AC;? he replied as if I was a moron. At least he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Duh!â&#x20AC;? I asked what he did in the summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I farm,â&#x20AC;? he said,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corn, wheat and beans, and I run about 400 cows.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It looks like grain and beans are going to skyrocket in price, what with Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famine and Ethanol. And cattle are selling at record prices!â&#x20AC;? I said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, but you know how things go, something could happen,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the river might flood, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still time for a blizzard â&#x20AC;Ś .â&#x20AC;? Try as I might, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get him to say anything optimistic. I put myself in his place and tried to think up something positive, such as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new gate we hung that goes to the lower lot swings good, I made my rubber boots last longer by not wearing them outside, I discovered Plasti-Dip for my old pump plier handles, the doctor said I was only 20 pounds

overweight, I finally finished reading Max Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autobiography, my son is taking welding in Vo-Ag, we got a satellite dish so we can watch RFD-TV, the pipes didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t freeze in the basement, I thought I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to like my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new car â&#x20AC;Ś but I do.â&#x20AC;? But I said instead, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accounting for the reces-

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News Bee populations around the world threatened by loss of their habitat

From 3 Riding will be taught by Christi Rains, a four-star Parelli riding instructor from Cleburne. The first day’s topics will include horse behavior, rider training, saddle fitting, nutrition and feeding practices, least-cost shoeing and herd management practices, wound management, and equine dentistry. A tour of Texas A&M’s large animal school of veterinary medicine will complete the afternoon’s program. The first day will be followed with a dinner and pre-

April 1, 2011

Horse

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The U.N.’s environmental agency is warning that the world’s bee population is likely to keep declining unless humans change the way they manage the planet. A report released March 10 said that North America, Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia have been affected by bee losses. It calls for incentives for farmers and landowners to restore bee habitats, including key flowering plants. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the U.S. honey-producing colonies have dropped from a population of 5.5 million in 1950 to 2.5 million in 2007.

Photo courtesy of ace-clipart.com

The bees are needed to pollinate crops that feed the world’s growing population. Of the 100 crop species that provide 90 percent of the world’s food, more than 70 are pollinated by bees.

sentations by the various mounted units at the Sanders Corps of Cadets Center located on the Texas A&M University campus. The second day will include talks on economic justification of horse units and evaluating and using donated horses. The remainder of the program will be devoted to handson law enforcement and combat demonstrations followed by a panel discussion. Individual registration due at the conference is $100. The fee includes educational materials and two meals. Call 979845-6098 to see if any places are available. For more information contact Byrns at 979-255-6979 or the Equine Initiative office, tamuequine@tamu.edu.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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April 1, 2011

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Meat processors name Educator of the Year By BLAIR FANNIN Texas AgriLife Communications

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April 1, 2011

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

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COLLEGE STATION — Davey Griffin, a Texas AgriLife Extension Service meat specialist, will receive the Harry L. Rudnick Educator of the Year Award from the North American Meat Processors Association. The award, which was established in 1969, honors Griffin for his efforts as an educator and advocate for the meat industry. Griffin also is an associate professor in the meat science section in the department of animal science at Texas A&M University. Griffin serves as a liaison among industry, commodity groups, medical and dietary professionals, and U.S. Department of Agriculture extension personnel to provide research, information and technology. According to association officials, Griffin has been credited in the success of the association’s Center of the Plate Training, which he has assisted for nine years. His key program and interest areas include cut-ability and composition of carcasses associated with value-based marketing, current con-

DA DAVEY GRIFFIN sumer issues concerning meat and meat products, youth development and cooperative re-search projects. “Griffin ff ffin contributes greatly to the ongoing education of meat industry professionals and students alike,” said Bobby Hatoff, president of the North American Meat Processors. “NAMP appreciates his support of our programs and others, and congratulates him on this achievement,” Hatoff said. Past Texas A&M educators who have won this prestigious award include Zerle Carpenter in 1975; Gary Smith, 1988; H. Russell Cross, 1991; Jeff Savell, 2003; and Kerri Harris, 2005.

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The right choice

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Estimated Progeny Differences play a role in picking wisely By HOLLI L. ESTRIDGE Special to The Post

April 1, 2011

The Land & Livestock Post

News

hen it comes to cattle selection, cow-calf producers know the most valuable traits are more than skin deep. As breed associations continue to embrace an ever-growing slate of Estimated Progeny Differences — from birth, weaning and yearly rate predictors to docility scales — some breeders stand to gain key genetic data that can influence herd quality for the better. In use since the 1960s, Estimated Progeny Difference or EPD measures strip away most environmental factors, allowing producers to get a firm handle on the genetic value of an individual trait, said Joe Paschal, a livestock specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “It takes away some of the guesswork,” said Paschal. “Two animals might look exactly the same, based on the sire and dam. EPDs help us to figure out which is better of the two genetically.”

Selection as a destination Experts agree the EPD of

most importance to the producer always will depend in large part on the breed and goals for the herd. “Birth weight should be something everyone considers, but you don’t have to be overly conscious of it,” said Chris Shivers, executive vice president of the American Brahman Breeders Association. Shivers said yearling weight is important if a producer is going to retain ownership of cattle in the feedlot or maintain market replacement females. Carcass measures can be helpful if a breeder is going to market the cattle. Depending on a producer’s goals, Paschal said selection should be used as a destination rather than a direction. “You should decide where you want to go and when you get there, stop selecting for that trait,” said Paschal. “ Paschal said developers of a breed should look at traits they are interested in improving and then have their breeders collect data on those traits and create EPDs for them. “Two traits that are going to be of particular importance to most cow/calf operations is calving ease and docility,” said Ralph Hawkins of the Texas Limousin Association. “The Limousin breed gained its early popularity as being the continental breed that combined calving ease

with explosive growth.” Some breeds have been collecting EPDs longer than others. Angus and Simmental breeders have among the largest databases. Limousin breeders developed the first docility EPD in 1994 and other breeds have followed suit. Hawkins said the Limousin breed has seen great improvement in overall docility as a result. Shivers said the Brahman Association could look into a docility EPD in the future.

Genetics or learned behavior? When looking at docility, Paschal said producers should remember that 30 to 40 percent of an animal’s behavior is genetic and 60 to 70 percent of it is learned. “It can depend in large part on how the cattle are handled at a young age and things they see, such as how they see their mothers react at a certain age,” said Paschal. “So while an EPD will help on the genetics side, better cattle handling is also required.” Docility is an important trait, regardless of the breed, said Shivers, who said the Brahman Association currently records docility scores but does not generate an EPD.

“Gentler animals are simply easier to handle,” he said. “Docility affe af cts feed efficiency, carcass quality, immune system and more.” Hawkins said the advantage to docile cattle are fewer injuries to cattle and their handlers and improved performance in the feed yards, as calmer cattle are less sick and tend to spend more time at the feed bunk.

Docility EPDs for all breeds In 10 to 15 years it is possible all breeds will embrace the docility EPD, said Shivers. “Every breed has their own board of directors and breed improvement communities,” said Shivers. “Angus has already embraced it. In the future we will probably embrace it.” Paschal said he isn’t sure every breed needs a docility EPD. “There are some breeds that are fairly docile,” he said. While a docility EPD has merit, Paschal said if producers have one bad cow, they should get rid of her. “Cattle that are nervous may have a harder time breeding,” he said. “They will go into heat, get bred by the bull but it doesn’t take.” fr writer • Holli L. Estridge is a freelance in the Bryan-College Br Station area. ar

Photos by Chris Shivers/Brahman.org

19.95

sue 24 Is

DENVER (AP) — A federal official says U.S. farmers shouldn’t be too concerned yet about stricter federal regulations on farm dust. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the remark March 14 to reporters in Denver. Vilsack points out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t come out with new standards for dust, soot and other particles. Farms frequently produce dust clouds during harvests, and farmers are waiting nervously to hear whether the EPA plans to clamp down on dust and dirt. The American Lung Association has called for tougher controls.

April 1, 2011

er than initially estimated. That should ease some concerns about rising food prices. The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts there will be about 122.5 million metric tons of corn left over after this year’s harvest, up from an estimated 123.1 metric tons in last month’s estimate. There should be about 58.2 million metric tons of soybeans left over, compared with last month’s estimate of 58.3 million. Lower reserves caused global grain prices to double this year. The government estimates that food prices could rise more than 3 percent this year as processed food makers and

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BRIEFS grocery stores pass along Corn, soybean their higher costs for raw reserves higher ingredients. New standards ST. LOUIS (AP) — The government estimates corn and for dust not set soybean reserves will be high-

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The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011

News

‘Ownership’ of feral hogs could be a surprise landowner is primarily responsible for managing feral hogs on his or her property. “It is not surprising that landowners are fed up with feral hogs,” Cathey said. “Damage to the agricultural industry in Texas is estimated at $52 million annually according to our agency. And this figure doesn’t account for damage in suburban areas or growing concerns over the

By PAUL SCHATTENBERG Texas AgriLife Communications

LOCKHART — Landowners in the Plum Creek Watershed area who are frustrated with the damage feral hogs are doing to their property may be surprised to know who actually “owns” the problem, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts. Jim Cathey, an AgriLife Extension wildlife ecology specialist in College Station, said feral hogs originated from domestic species and were introduced into the U.S. by early explorers and settlers as a food source. Escapes and intentional releases of the formerly domestic animals over the centuries have resulted in a free-ranging feral hog population in Texas estimated at between 1 million and 4 million. “Feral hogs are not a game

impact feral-hog activity may be having on areas such as the Plum Creek Watershed.” Stream water quality studies by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality have determined there are excessive bacteria and nitrogen levels in Plum Creek Watershed, added Nikki

• See HOGS/Page HOGS 15

Texas AgriLife Extension Ser Service vice photo

Each year year, feral hogs cause millions of dollars in damage to crops and property throughout the state, including the Plum Creek eek Watershed area near Lockhart. But feral hogs essentially are the property of the landowner, landowner according to state law. law or non-game species in ture codes.” Texas,” Cathey explained. He said due to this distinc“Instead, they are considered tion, feral hogs fall under the ‘exotic livestock’ as described “ownership” of the landownin both Texas Parks and er and not the citizens of the Wildlife and Texas Agricul- state, which means the

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species, including feral hogs, may be hunted throughout the year and that there is no closed season or bag limit. “Feral hogs may be hunted at night with the use of a spotlight, but it is a good idea to provide a courtesy call to your local game warden to let them know where and when you will be hunting,” Timmons said. Cathey noted that several publications developed by AgriLife Extension, including publications relating to signs of feral hog activity, traps and capture techniques, can be

downloaded at no charge from the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership website by going to http://plumcreek. tamu.edu/feralhogs. “Here you’ll also find an online tool for reporting feral hog sightings or control measures,” he said. “There’s one type of report for cooperating landowners and another for the general public.” For more information or technical assistance on feral hogs in the Plum Creek Watershed area, contact Timmons at 254-485-4886 or jbtimmons@ag.tamu.edu.

April 1, 2011

hogs on their property without a hunting license if feral hogs are causing depredation to the land,” said Jared Timmons, AgriLife Extension assistant addressing feral hog issues in Caldwell, Hays and Travis counties and supporting the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership. “However, it is a good idea for them to have a hunting license if they also plan to trap or snare feral hogs, as these activities could affect other native wildlife species.” Timmons added that a Texas hunting license is required for people hunting feral hogs for trophies or food, and that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department outlines these requirements in its annual hunting and fishing regulations publication, the Outdoor Annual. “It’s important to read and understand all the regulations,” Timmons said, “but a hunting license permits use of firearms, snaring and trapping in the fight against feral hogs.” He added that exotic

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Dictson, AgriLife Extension program specialist and Plum Creek Watershed Partnership coordinator. “Non-point source pollution from feral hogs is a potential threat to the watershed’s water quality,” Dictson said. “Fecal material from feral hogs can be a source of pollution and contribute to bacteria and nitrogen levels if the waste enters the creek either directly or from storm water. Their aggressive rooting can cause serious damage to croplands and grasslands pretty quickly, and this rooting also can contribute to soil erosion in the watershed area.” She added that funding and support for a Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan has been provided through a Clean Water Act §319(h) nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water

Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pam Cantwell, who lives on a 106-acre ranch in McMahan near Lockhart, said she and her family recently have had their property damaged by feral hogs. “Along with uprooting our front lawn, they’ve run rampant in our hay fields and have dug them up, as well as digging up around the roots of our oak trees, some of which are more than 100 years old, along with our pecan, plum, fig, peach and apricot trees,” Cantwell said. “We’ve trapped about 12 and have shot two so far, but they seem to multiply faster than we can control them,” she said. Cantwell said she feels small-acreage landowners must fend for themselves more than larger landowners who can use control options such as dogs and helicopters, which may not be feasible on smaller plots. “Landowners or their agents are allowed to kill feral

The Land & Livestock Post

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The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011

News

Future demand on Panhandle water is studied By KAY LEDBETTER Texas AgriLife Communication

AMARILLO — Water availability in the Texas Panhandle in the future is being studied in a new economic research project. Biofuel feedstock production in the Texas High Plains could significantly change the crop mix, which could affect regional income and groundwater consumption, according to Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists. Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo, and Seong Park, AgriLife Research economist in Vernon, are joining other economists to model the socio-economic effects of climate change on the Ogallala Aquifer. The project — Economics and Groundwater-Use Impli-

cations of Bioenergy Feedstocks Production in the Ogallala Aquifer Program Region — is funded by the Ogallala Aquifer federal research program of the U.S. Department of AgricultureAgricultural Research Service. “The High Plains’ crops, livestock and meat processing sectors, as well as oil and gas production, literally run on water from the Ogallala Aquifer,” Amosson said. “However, this region is facing an uncertain future, after significant pumping for the past 50 years has caused water tables to fall generally across the aquifer.” With water demand so strong and the aquifer serving as the primary source of that water, it is important to know how climate change and biofuels development in the future could affect availability, Amosson said.

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The future of the water supply from the Ogallala Aquifer is the focus of a study being conducted by Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists. “Projections of a warmer and drier future for this region threaten to raise cropping water needs and thus, the rate of aquifer depletion,

while also lowering the natural recharge,” he said. “The current biofuels policy and associated high commodity prices contribute additional

pressures on those water resources.” The information generated from the study will present a comprehensive characterization of the economic and groundwater implications regarding allocation of limited agricultural land and water between crops and biofuel feedstock production, Amosson said. Then researchers can determine potential implications for farm income and regional activity. If more farmers begin producing a cellulosic feedstock or a drought-tolerant one, those changes would affect the Ogallala Aquifer water use,Park said. “We want to look at the effects, look at the changes of land use, and see what the regional impact will be both

• See WATER/Page 17

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Water From 16

on marginal land with fewer inputs of water and fertilizers. “We think this study will make a contribution to science addressing the issues of groundwater sensitivity to climate change that are explicitly called out as needing further work in the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change special report on water,” Park said. The two-year project began in January with the assimilation of information already gathered by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

The plan is to develop over the next two years a dynamic multi-county land allocation model that integrates agriculture, hydrology, climate and geography, he said. This has already been completed for

April 1, 2011

Texas AgriLife Research photo by Kay Ledbetter

Irrigation is a large user of groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer, Aquifer which runs from the Midland-Odessa area north to South Dakota. Texas AgriLife Research economists are looking at what climate change and biofuels development could mean to the groundwater consumption and economics in the future.

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economically and socially,” he said. “In addition to the job-creation aspect, we want to look at the environmental or carbon footprint as related to water use. We want to see what water consumption versus greenhouse gas production is.” “What if carbon emission rates change, how does that affect things?” Park said. “This is a key point for our stakeholders.” It will be important for producers to know how to adjust water use, cropping and landuse practices, and water-management practices to adapt to climate change and increasing agricultural demands to provide sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer, he said. Through the study, Park said, they hope to be able to outline the implications of climate change for the region and biofuel feedstock production possibilities. They will look particularly at cellulosic production using perennial grasses such as switchgrass

The economists will use land distribution of crops from 2009 as a baseline in each county, Park said. With that, they will calculate groundwater consumption and project the optimal land allocation or crop mix at the county level over the 20102050 period using IPCC climate change scenarios and projected regional mandates for crop ethanol production. Another component of the study will include greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration, based on the Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization ModelGreenhouse Gas Version developed by a team led by Bruce McCarl, Nobel laureate and Texas A&M University Distinguished and Regents professor of agricultural economics.

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“Once it is developed, this linked hydrological land-use regionalized groundwater model can be used to address a variety of future issues regarding land-use and wateruse planning,” Park said.

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The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011

News

A&M hosts Ranch Management U. April 12-15 By BLAIR FANNIN Texas AgriLife Communications

COLLEGE STATION — Ranch Management University, a four-day program targeting novice landowners, is scheduled April 12-15 at Texas A&M University in College Station. “This unique new landowner workshop is designed to help new landowners improve their understanding re-garding management of the various resources they find on their ranch properties,” said Larry Redmon, workshop coordinator and Texas AgriLife Extension Service state forage specialist. “The inaugural event was offered last October in College Station and the event was a huge success. The attendees were very satisfied with the program and exit surveys indicated everyone believed they would receive

great economic benefits from attending the program.” Redmon said program attendees were “impressed with the knowledge they gained about managing their natural resources in an ecologically sound manner.” The April workshop will include the following topics: soils and soil fertility, forage species selection, hay production, weed and brush management, winter pasture establishment and utilization, beef cattle breed selection, nutrient requirements and feeding strategies for livestock, grazing management strategies, chute-side talk live animal handling demonstrations of vaccinations, and dehorning and castration of cattle. “An agricultural economist will also be part of the agenda, discussing a number of topics including how to plan for profit, how to develop a

marketing plan and a look at alternative enterprises,” Redmon said. “Additionally horses, sheep and goat production will also be covered.” Several wildlife management topics are also on the agenda, ranging from whitetailed deer and turkey management, fisheries management in ranch ponds and what to do about feral hogs. “Field demonstrations will include learning how to assess body condition scores for cattle, how to obtain proper soil and hay samples, and how to assess fish populations in ponds,” Redmon said. “There will also be a discussion regarding pond weeds and a demonstration on hog trap design.” Breakfast items, lunch, three suppers, and all break refreshments will be included in the cost, as well as a resource CD containing more than 100 publications cover-

ing ranch resource management. Attendance is limited to the first 50 people who enroll, Redmon said. Cost is $450 through April 8 and $475 April 9-12. For additional information and registration fees, contact Redmon at 979-845-4826 or at lredmon@tamu.edu. To register online and for additional information, go to

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Selecting the right fertilizer can save money By JAMES LOCKE Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

If you have ever been to our educational events, or our consultants have been to your place or have talked to you at the grocery store, or you ever mentioned fertilizing, we told you to soil-test first. Why do we feel so strongly about soil testing? Soil tests are necessary because they are the only way to determine limiting nutrients, pH or the amount of residual nitrogen in the soil. If we apply phosphorus or potassium and they are not limiting, we are wasting money. Likewise, if we only apply nitrogen when phosphorus or potassium are limiting, we will not get the anticipated yield response. Finally, if soil pH is either too high or low, fertilizers may be unavailable to plants.

• Apply nitrogen according to yield goal We usually recommend nitrogen according to cropspecific yield goals. By setting a realistic yield goal and accounting for the amount of residual nitrogen, we know how much additional nitrogen is needed. Otherwise, we risk not applying enough nitrogen to meet our yield goal or over-fer -f tilizing. -fer Extra production is not a problem for commodity crops, but over-fertilizing to grow more forage than needed is wasteful ef . eful

• Consider nitrogen source There are several nitrogen sources, including ammonium nitrate, urea, liquid UAN and anhydrous ammonia. We

$ Per Ton (Examples)

Pounds N Per Ton

$ Per Pound of Nitrogen

21-0-0-24

$300

420

$0.71

32-0-0

$340

640

$0.53

34-0-0

$400

680

$0.59

46-0-0

$460

920

$0.50

82-0-0

$620

1640

$0.38

usually recommend the one with the lowest cost per pound of actual nitrogen; however, other factors such as weather, product availability, application timing and the crop being fertilized may affect your nitrogen source choice. The cost per pound is calculated by dividing the price per ton by the pounds of nitrogen per ton. The table above shows how a lower cost per ton does not

necessarily mean a lower cost per pound of nitrogen.

• Get the best price Always compare fertilizer costs from several sources. Variation among sources can be significant — we have seen up to 40 percent for the same product — but be sure to compare the costs as delivered and applied. Another option is obtaining bulk fertilizers directly

from a wholesaler. requires either This obtaining a dealer’s license or purchasing through a licensed dealer. If purchased through a dealer, many will reduce their price if bulk fertilizer is delivered directly to the user and they never have to handle it. There are drawbacks, though, including not being able to use a blend, arranging for freight, providing storage space and application. Finally, consider applying with your own equipment rather than the dealer’s. Most dealers will reduce their fertilizer price if they do not have the wear and tear on their spreaders. With high fertilizer prices here to stay, every producer will have to determine what methods will work for their operation.

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April 1, 2011

•T Test soils

Use a fertilizer blend that meets your specific if needs as ific identified by soil testing. Although convenient, the so called “complete” fertilizers, such as 17-17-17, rarely supply nutrients in the quantities needed. Plants do not use nutrients in equal proportions nor are soil deficiencies usually equal. By purchasing only the nutrients needed in the correct proportions, fertilizer dollars are used more efficiently.

Fertilizer Analysis

✪

Many analysts predict that fertilizer use will return to normal levels during 2011 and expected tight supplies, higher prices are on the way. We hope that they will not reach the astronomical levels seen a few years ago, but we need to be prepared. Since we are expecting higher prices, it makes sense to have a plan to get the most out of our fertilizer dollars. Following are five ways to help get you started:

• Select the right fertilizer blend

The Land & Livestock Post

News

99.457 AC, FM 46, FRANKLIN 60% open pasture, 40% wooded, spring fed creek, 4 ponds, sandy rolling hills, new fence on 2 sides, fronts on FM 46, electricity and community water line available; Franklin ISD; $390,000 ($3,921/Ac)

22ACRES, RABBIT LN. & THURMAN RD, BR BRYA YA YAN N Water & Electric, 3 sides fenced, paved on 2 sides, pond site 5 min to Bryan; Bryan ISD; $240,000 8.75 ACRES, FM 1373, BREMOND 3 sides fenced, open hay pasture, water & electric available, Bremond ISD; $34,125

Bremond ISD $169,000 w/out minerals or $194,350 w/15% minerals owned 18 AC, BARTKOWIAK RD, FRANKLIN 80/20 open/wooded, good fences, community water line rd., road frontage on two sides (Bartkowiak and Steves Rd.), Bremond ISD; $63,000

33 ACRES, NORTH OF CAL CALVERT 22 AC, BARTKOWIAK RD, FRANKLIN 95/5 wooded/open, live creek, elect. on site, 1,216 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath, Classic singlewide mobile road frontage on 2 sides; Calvert ISD home built by Legacy in 2007, 90% open, good fences, $84,900 ($2,567/Ac) community water line on Bartkowiak, pond,road frontage 37.5 AC, ON WARREN RD, FRANKLIN on Steves Rd., Bremond ISD; $118,000 Single wide mobile home, 25/75 wooded/open, fenced, electricity electricity, water well, Hearne ISD, 40 AC, BARTKOWIAK RD, FRANKLIN $119,500 (3,186/Ac) 1,216 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath, Classic singlewide mobile home, built by Legacy in 2007, 90% open pasture, 105 ACRES, ½ MILE OFF FM 974, BRYA BR N good fences, community water line on road, pond, road Approx. 25% pasture, 75% wooded, home site overlooking pond, rolling wooded hills with lots frontage on two sides (Bartkowiak and Steves Rd.), of wildlife, electric in area, Bryan ISD; Bremond ISD; $175,000 ($3,750/Ac)

The Land & Livestock Post ✪ April 1, 2011 20

News

Dry conditions keep Forest Service on alert By ROBERT BURNS Texas AgriLife Communications

COLLEGE STATION — As the drought-like conditions continued for much of Texas, so did the threat of wildfire, according the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Forest Service personnel. The Forest Service warned that as of about midday March 22 , there would be “extremely critical fire weather conditions … west of Big Bend, San Angelo and Wichita Falls, including major cities such as Lubbock, Childress, Abilene, Midland, Odessa and Amarillo.” The predictions were based on a combination of conditions, including higher than normal temperatures and winds, low relative humidity, and a plenitude of dry grass in pastures and rangeland. The Forest Service reported it put fire-fighting equipment — bulldozers, fire engines and aircraft — in place for the threat. Meanwhile, much of the rest of the state remained dry, including South Texas. “Coming into March, South Texas received less than 25 percent of the normal rainfall,” said Megan Dominguez, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Corpus Christi. “A lot of the farmers and ranchers are concerned, and there’s been some delay in crop planting.” Dominguez said that there were some scattered rains in early to mid-March, which greened up pastures and rangeland grasses, but for the most part, there has not been enough moisture to promote vigorous growth. Despite the rain, the danger of wildfire remains high with numerous red-flag warnings, especially out west, she said, but some ranchers have been able to do control burns when wildfire danger was low. “This has really helped to get rid of that high amount of weed and grass growth from last year,” Dominguez said. “I would encourage anyone to do the same — if the weather conditions become right.” Dominguez said there were signs the La Niña current, to

which the drought conditions are attributed, is weakening. In the meantime, she recommended ranchers keep stocking rates conservative until they know what the weather is going to do. With cow prices as high as anyone can remember, trimming down herds shouldn’t be too economically painful, she noted. “Getting rid of cattle this time of year when you’re concerned about precipitation is not a bad deal,” she said. AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: Central — The region remained extremely dry as growers completed corn and sorghum planting. Most wheat farmers were concerned about the condition of their crop because of the lack of moisture. Ellis County farmers had to replant corn because of feral hog damage. Fruit trees were blooming.

Coastal Bend — Western parts of the district received as much as 1 inch of rain. Farmers completed planting corn and sorghum, and were nearly finished planting cotton. Corn and sorghum stands looked good, but high winds damaged some seedlings. Eastern counties reported warm-season pasture grasses were beginning to green up. Ponds remained low. East — The region remained dry with very little to no rain received. Ponds and stock-tank water levels began to drop. Winter pastures looked good, but showed little growth due to the lack of rain. However, weeds were growing in pastures, and producers were looking at control options to maximize what forage was available. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with farmers continuing to supply supplemental feed. Spring calving continued. Some feral hog damage was reported. Far West: The region had

warmer days with cool nights. The dry conditions, low humidity, and windy weather kept burn bans in place. Chiles were being planted. A few wildfires were reported. Rangeland and pasture grasses remained dormant, dry and brown. Mesquites were not yet out of dormancy, but many fruit and other tree species bloomed and leafed out. Producers were nearly finished preparing fields for cotton planting. Alfalfa farmers began

irrigating, and stands looked good. Some counties have not reported measurable rainfall for more than 165 days.

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LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORTS Bryan

Results of Buffalo Livestock Commission’s March 11sale: Head: 1358 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $150$200; 200-300 lbs., $145-$175; 300-400 lbs., $165-$187; 400500 lbs., $150-$177; 500-600

Results of Caldwell Livestock Commission’s March 16 sale: Head: 375 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $180$225; 300-400 lbs., $145-$180; 400-500 lbs., $130-$160; 500600 lbs., $115-$150; 600-700 lbs., $106-$130, 700-800 lbs., 100-110.. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150$198; 300-400 lbs., $130-$150; 400-500 lbs., $125-$155; 500600 lbs., $120-$145; 600-700 lbs., $110-$125, 700-800 lbs., 95-110.

Groesbeck Results of Groesbeck Auction & Livestock Co.’s March 15 sale: Head: 774 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $170$187; 400-500 lbs., $160-$170; 500-600 lbs., $150-$162; 600700 lbs., $130-$149; 700-800 lbs., $120-$132. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $140$158; 400-500 lbs., $130-$152; 500-600 lbs., $138-$149; 600700 lbs., $120-$133. Slaughter cows: $42-$80. Slaughter bulls: $87-$99. Bred cows: $950-$1,200. Cow/calf pairs: $1150$1,510.

Jordan Results of Jordan Cattle Auc-

tion’s March 17 sale: Head: 3,322 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $165$190; 300-400 lbs., $160-$175; 400-500 lbs., $150-$170; 500600 lbs., $140-$163; 600-700 lbs., $130-$150; 700-800 lbs., $120-$137. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140$175; 300-400 lbs., $135-$155; 400-500 lbs., $133-$151; 500600 lbs., $128-$141; 600-700 lbs., $120-$141; 700-800 lbs., $115-$125. Slaughter cows: $47-$85. Slaughter bulls: $75-$92. Stocker cows: $680-$1,625. Cow/calf pairs: $700-$1,800.

Milano Results of Milano Livestock Exchange’s March 15 sale: Head: 480 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $165$170; 400-500 lbs., $152.50$162.50; 500-600 lbs., $149$156; 600-700 lbs.,$137-$146.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $145$150; 400-500 lbs., $138-$147; 500-600 lbs., $130-$140; 600700 lbs., $125-$128. Slaughter cows: $56-$82. Slaughter bulls: $84.50-$94. Stocker cows: $830-$960.

Navasota

Results of Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s March 12 sale: Head: 1,219 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $120$240; 300-400 lbs., $150-$163; 400-500 lbs., $115-$152; 500600 lbs., $110-$150; 600-700 lbs., $105-$147. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $120$235; 300-400 lbs., $110$167.50; 400-500 lbs., $105$152 500-600 lbs., $110-$150; 600-700 lbs., $105-$136. Slaughter cows: $50-$84. Slaughter bulls: $70-$97. Stocker cows: $750-$1,125. Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,450.

April 1, 2011

Buffalo

Caldwell

Slaughter cows: $45-$81. Slaughter bulls: $65-$96. Stocker cows: $580-$1000. Cow/calf pairs: $775-$1,300.

✪

Results of Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s March 8 sale: Head: 588 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $150$190; 300-400 lbs., $120$182; 400-500 lbs., $140$165; 500-600 lbs., $125$155; 600-700 lbs., $104$137; 700-800 lbs., $108$115. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $135$148; 300-400 lbs., $125$151; 400-500 lbs., $124$127; 500-600 lbs., $108$138; 600-700 lbs., $110$125; 700-800 lbs., $105$110. Slaughter cows: $40-$79. Slaughter bulls: $70-$90. Bred cows: $560-$1,050. Cow/calf pairs: $980-$1,160.

lbs., $135-$162; 600-700 lbs., $120-$149; 700-800 lbs., $119$127. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $145$185; 200-300 lbs., $140-$160; 300-400 lbs., $140-$165; 400500 lbs., $135-$158; 500-600 lbs., $120-$147; 600-700 lbs., $110-$131; 700-800 lbs., $105$118. Slaughter cows: $66-$75. Slaughter bulls: $77-$97. Bred cows: $750-$1,060. Cow/calf pairs: $750-$1,650.

The Land & Livestock Post

News

— Special to The Post

Iowa lawmakers look at ban on videos claiming animal abuse DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers angered by repeated releases of secretly filmed videos claiming to show mistreatment of farm animals are backing legislation that would make it illegal for activists to produce and distribute such images. Legislative committees in Iowa have approved a bill that would prohibit such recordings and punish people who take agriculture jobs just to record animals’ treatment. Proposed penalties include up to five years in

prison. Votes by the full House and Senate haven’t been set, but experts say Iowa could become the first state to approve such restrictions. Florida is considering similar legislation. Supporters say people who witness abuse should report it and work through proper channels. Animal rights groups say that only through awareness created by publicity can the nation work to protect farm animals.

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The Land & Livestock Post â&#x153;Ş April 1, 2011 22

Entity City of Bryan College Station Texas A&M Optim/Twin Oak s

Permitted 33,540 acre-feet 22,627 acre-feet 11,160 acre-feet 7,519 acre-feet

Max Historical Use Unused W ater 16,219 acre-feet 17,321 acre-feet 13,564 acre-feet 9,063 acre feet 5,289 acre-feet 5, 871 acre-feet 4,735 acre-feet 2,784 acre-feet

The Land & Livestock Post â&#x153;Ş

April 1, 2011

April 1, 2011 â&#x153;Ş

The Land & Livestock Post

Meeting your Spring Needs since 1943.